Black mold is a type of fungi that can grow both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in warm, humid environments and is often found in basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. While black mold is not necessarily harmful to humans, it can cause respiratory problems for some people.
Black mold is not only unsightly, but it can also damage your property value. If you think black mold may have taken hold of your wooden surfaces, here’s how to identify it.
What does Black Mold look like on Wood?
Black mold usually appears as small black dots on wood surfaces. It can also look like stains or streaks. In some cases, black mold may even appear velvety or fuzzy.
If you suspect that you have black mold on your wood surfaces, it’s important to take action right away. The longer black mold goes untreated, the more damage it will do to your property.
Black mold loves damp and humid conditions, so wood that is improperly protected from moisture is especially susceptible.
Some of the signs that black mold may be present on wood surfaces include:
- Discoloration: Black mold will often cause a dark discoloration on the surface of the wood. This can range from a slight darkening of the wood to almost completely blackened boards.
- Staining: In addition to causing discoloration, black mold can also cause staining on wood surfaces. This staining is usually dark in color and may be difficult to remove.
- Warped or cracked: If black mold is present on wood surfaces, it may cause the wood to warp or crack over time. This is due to the fact that black mold feeds off of the cellulose in wood, which weakens the structure of the wood.
Every homeowner should learn how to identify mold on wood. so that if you see any of these signs on wood surfaces in your home, you can take action immediately.
Black mold can cause serious problems, so it’s important to remove it as soon as possible.
How to Remove Black Mold from Wood
If you have black mold on your wood surfaces, you’ll need to remove it as soon as possible. The good news is that removing black mold from wood is relatively simple.
Before you begin, you need to get protective gear to protect yourself from the mold. This includes;
- a face mask,
- gloves,
- vinegar solution
- hard wired brush
- Dish soap
- Glass jug
- Soft sponge
- Microfiber cloth
- and protective eyewear.
The severity of the mold will dictate which cleaning tools you use . For severe cases of black mold, you may need to use stronger cleaning agents like bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
Just follow these steps:
- First, use a vacuum to hoover up any noticeable traces of black mold on the wood.
- Wet the area with a spray bottle and allow it to sit for 10 – 15 minutes. This will loosen up any black mold on the surface so it can be more easily removed.
- Next, mix a solution of vinegar and water in a glass jug. Put on your protective goggles and gloves, then use this solution to clean the wood using a hard-wired brush.
- If you are unable to remove the mold, then you can try cleaning the affected area with a mixture of water and bleach. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the fumes.
- Once the area is clean, sand the surface of the wood to rough it up. This will help the paint or sealant adhere better.
- Once you have thoroughly cleaned off all visible signs of black mold from the wood, dry the area with a soft sponge and microfiber cloth.
- Finally, if you still see any signs of black mold on the wood, repeat these steps until all traces of mold have been removed.
- Then, use a primer that is designed to be effective on moldy surfaces. Finally, you can either paint or seal the wood surface – this will help stop future mold growth.
To prevent future outbreaks of black mold on your wood surfaces, make sure to clean them regularly and keep them well-maintained.
You should also ensure that they are protected from moisture and humidity, as these are key contributors to mold growth. Some good strategies for preventing black mold on wood include sealing the surfaces with a waterproof sealant or painting them regularly with non-toxic paint.
Alternatively, you can install a dehumidifier in areas where you notice high levels of moisture or humidity, such as in the basement or bathroom.
It is important that you take proactive steps to prevent black mold growth on wood surfaces, as this can be a serious risk if left untreated.
Conclusion
Black mold can grow on wood both indoors and outdoors if the wood is exposed to high levels of moisture or humidity. If you notice signs of black mold on your wood surfaces, it is important to take action quickly to remove it and prevent further growth.
If you think you may have black mold on your wooden surfaces, it’s important to take action right away. The good news is that removing black mold from wood is relatively simple. It is important that before you do anything, you protect yourself by getting adequate protective gear such as a face mask, gloves, and goggles.
